THE LEASH CONNECTION
In the spring of 1925 , John Bates , Hubert Brown , and Stanley Halle met for lunch to brainstorm different ways to engage with the American Kennel Club and help further its efforts in a positive light . They gathered a shortlist of gentlemen with a high interest in the breeding and exhibition of purebred dogs , and on June 3rd , 1925 , The Leash was born at a maisonette on 143 East 52nd Street .
After World War II , the Clubhouse relocated to 41 East 63rd Street , where it has remained ever since as an exclusive place for gentlemen with sporting hobbies to gather . The Leash has navigated the decades , through thick and thin , with the help of several extraordinary presidents , some of whom were also members of the Westminster Kennel Club .
The club members share a common fondness for fine food and drink , genial companions , good fun , hunting , fly-fishing , and dogs . The members are passionate about field sports and conservation – pursuits that bind them together .
Today , there are still Westminster members who are also members of The Leash . The two clubs ’ long histories and traditions remain intertwined with a bi-annual Joint Outing event . This event tradition that began in 1971 is a garden party with an informal dog show for members of both clubs , their families , and guests .
In 2021 , the 31st match was celebrated and instituted the inaugural Bishop Memorial Cup . The perpetual trophy commemorates Louis F . “ Jerry ” Bishop and his wife , Alexandra “ Sandy ” Bishop . They epitomized the rich traditions of both clubs as Jerry served on the Boards of both the WKC and The Leash and was a former President of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( ASPCA ). Jerry ’ s wife , Sandy , played a pivotal role in supporting the Joint Outing for over four decades .
ALL : WKC ARCHIVES
WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB 2023